Surface Finishes
Anodising
Anodizing is an electrochemical technique for changing the surface properties of some metals. We are able to anodize aluminum, magnesium and titanium.
There are many reasons to choose an anodized surface treatment. It improves corrosion protection, surface hardness, wear resistance, aesthetic appearance and the adhesion of paints and primers. It also reduces electrical conductivity, helps to dissipate heat and reduces surface reflection.
We use primarily Type II anodizing, which allows the surface to accept colorants and dyes. Type II is also ideal as a base for painting, which further increases corrosion protection.
Plating
We have a state-of-the-art, climate controlled paint room with automated driers allowing us to apply virtually any type of commercially-available paint for your prototypes or low-volume manufactured parts. Our standard painting system is PPG automotive urethanes but we can also supply custom paints on request.
Our technicians are able to produce any desired surface finish, including high gloss, matte, semi-gloss, metallic flakes and customized textures. We also do color-matched tinting for clear plastic parts.
In addition, advanced technologies are employed to maintain not only clean-room conditions inside the painting area but also ensure that all fumes and contaminants from the painting process pass through a series of filters and traps so the evacuated air emerges cleaner than before. Just part of our commitment to responsible, world-class manufacturing.
Powder Coating
Powder Coating is a type of coating that is applied as a free-flowing, dry powder. The main difference between a conventional liquid paint and a powder coating is that the powder coating does not require a solvent to keep the binder and filler parts in a liquid suspension form. The coating is typically applied electrostatically and is then cured under heat to allow it to flow and form a “skin”.
The powder may be a thermoplastic or a thermoset polymer. It is usually used to create a hard finish that is tougher than conventional paint. Powder coating is mainly used for coating of metals, such as household appliances, aluminum extrusions, drum hardware, and automobile and bicycle parts. Newer technologies allow other materials, such as MDF (medium-density fibreboard), to be powder coated using different methods.
Color Matching
In the past, customers would specify Pantone® colors using a system of colored inks printed on white card stock. These colors are notoriously difficult to match with molded plastic parts because the color can vary greatly dependent on part geometry, type and thickness of the molded plastic.
When exact Pantone® matches are not available, we strongly recommend providing a physical sample for our painting professionals to use in creating custom colors.